Many of Thursday’s papers focus on plans for what the Daily Mail calls “the world’s first tax on sugary and salty food”. The Mail suggests the proposed levy would add 9p on the price of a Mars Bar and 87p on a box of Frosties.
The Daily Telegraph calculates people’s annual shopping bill would go up by £172.
The Food Foundation charity tells the Daily Mirror that using the tax’s revenues to give another million children free school meals would help tackle what it calls the “astoundingly high levels of child food insecurity.”
But the Food and Drink Federation warns in the Financial Times that the taxes would “impact families who are already struggling”.
The Sun dubs it a “nanny state tax” suggesting the daily calories saved would equal half a digestive biscuit.
Online, the Independent says that the world’s largest food company, Unilever, is to put carbon footprint labels on its products. The firm, which makes PG Tips, Marmite and Magnum ice creams, will bring in the packaging in the UK next year.
After examining the details of the government’s green transport plan, the Telegraph points out that new taxes on motoring and flying are likely to be introduced. The AA suggests the Treasury would need to recoup £765 per car per year in lost fuel duty when electric vehicles become more widespread.
The Times reports on what it describes as the “business backlash” to the government’s latest Covid guidance. The expectation that face masks should still be worn in shops and at work – plus the retention of table service – has been criticised as a “real mess” and giving off “mixed messages”.
The British Dental Association tells the i it is awaiting advice but fears it will not get the mandatory requirements healthcare wants.
The Mirror dubs it “mask chaos” – saying the plan to ditch face coverings on transport was in “tatters” after six regional mayors said they would be compulsory in their areas.
The Financial Times highlights staff shortages created by self isolating workers – suggesting some firms have lost a fifth of their workers. The manufacturing body, Make UK, says it is affecting production.
According to the Times, plans to make NHS England’s contact tracing app less sensitive to cut the mass isolations has been put back until 16 August.
The Mail, meanwhile, says Whitehall staff are being spared self-isolation under a pilot scheme.
The Guardian looks at the latest research confirming the Amazon rainforest is now emitting more carbon dioxide than it is able to absorb. Most of the emissions come from fires, it says, started deliberately to clear areas for agriculture.
The i reports that what it calls the “PM’s Brexit jet” has flown only once in its promotional role in the past five months. The paper says since being repainted at a cost of £900,000, it is mainly used to refuel RAF fighter planes. The government blames the pandemic for its reduced service.
And according to the Telegraph, as more people return to their offices, a third of workers say they want to ditch formal dress codes. A survey of 600 adults suggests half would prefer smart-casual clothes and a tenth shorts and flip flops.
Source: BBC